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According to Webster, a family is a group of individuals living under the same roof and usually under the same head. It is a basic unit in society traditionally consisting of two parents rearing their children. What a rigid, sterile definition!

A healthy functioning family is so much more! It is different people all working for the same cause. They are loving, caring, nourishing individuals whose principal interest is for the betterment of the entire group. As part of this group it is important that everyone needs to participate in the upkeep of the home.

It is the duty of the parents to lay the foundation of behavior for the children that they will need to become responsible adults. Paying your child to participate in the duties of the household will not prepare him for the future. He needs to learn early that he will someday be responsible for his own welfare. This knowledge should be learned early, as early as the toddler stage.

In order to instill the knowledge for a toddler to understand that he is an integral part of the group, he should be taught responsibility even before he can talk. Communication does not need verbal expression to work. He learns by example and by expressions of appreciation.

Begin before bedtime to show him how to pick up his toys and put them away. Help him at first by putting away one toy, then helping him put away the next. Taking turns placing these toys in the toy box is an excellent lesson for him in sharing duties, but do not forget to applaud his accomplishment. He delights in pleasing his parents and will want to repeat the procedure each night if he knows his actions are appreciated. Give those little guys credit. They often understand so much more than we realize!

Most children like to imitate your actions, so let them help while folding the laundry. Show them how to fold a wash cloth, then let them take over that job. Later they can move on to the towels and their own underwear. This is a great way to spend time with your child while sharing responsibilities. You are also giving them a sense of pride in a job well done and setting good work ethics that he will need in the future.

Try to weigh the household duties to your children's age and ability. You do not want to overwhelm them with anything too difficult. Ease them into larger duties as they grow older, and try to make their chores as much fun as possible. Sing together while helping them make their beds or grab a broom and sweep away while dancing to a happy tune, then

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